Caledonian Sleeper Raises a Glass to World Whisky Day with Tomatin Distillery 

The Caledonian Sleeper is inviting overworked city slickers keen to escape the bustle of the Big Smoke to enjoy a nip of award-winning Tomatin single malt at a series of on board events in celebration of World Whisky Day (21 May).

Guests looking for a break north of the border will avoid the hassle of airport queues and begin their experience with a showcase of the distillery’s range of whiskies on board the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 25 May.

The tasting provides the perfect nightcap before tucking into bed and being teleported overnight from the hubbub of London to the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, awaking refreshed and revived at their destination.

Alistair Mutch at Tomatin, said: “World Whisky Day has become an annual phenomenon which shines a spotlight on Scotland’s national drink and we are excited to share these tastings with guests to mark the occasion.

“What better way to celebrate than to raise a toast to ‘the water of life’ than with a dram on board the historic Caledonian Sleeper.”

The Tomatin tasting events form part of a series of on board food and drink events that were introduced last year to the Caledonian Sleeper.

Caledonian Sleeper Guest Experience Director, Ryan Flaherty, added: “Enjoyed from the comfort of the lounge car, the on board events are the perfect place to relax and unwind whilst socialising with family and friends.

“Guests can enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced produce, freshly prepared in our Highland kitchen and with kids under the age of 12 eating free, there’s something for everyone to indulge in before bedding down for the night.”

For more information about the Caledonian Sleeper and future on board events, visit www.sleeper.scot/.

For more information about Tomatin, visit www.tomatin.com/

Notes

About the Caledonian Sleeper

• The Caledonian Sleeper service is an overnight rail journey between the Scottish Highlands and central London.
• Scotland’s Caledonian Sleeper service has been hailed as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Super Sleeper Trains’ and the London to Fort William service made the world’s best-selling travel guidebook’s top ten list.
• Every night, apart from Saturday, guests are transported both north and south between Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London Euston.
• Travel bookings can now be made up to one year in advance on www.sleeper.scot/.
• The Caledonian Sleeper service currently offers a range of ways to travel – comfortable and affordable seated carriages, shared berths and first-class private accommodation – with a dining car offering an extensive locally-sourced menu.
• Caledonian Sleeper is committed to supporting local communities and suppliers:
  • 92% of food produce is sourced within 50 miles of the food production operation in Dingwall.
  • All guests are provided with an Arran Aromatics sleep pack which includes sleep mask, socks and toiletries.
  • The Head Office and Guest Services Centre are located in Inverness employing around 30 people from the locality.
• Brand new trains are going to be launched in 2018, which will offer innovative ways to travel in comfort on the Caledonian Sleeper service as well as a brasserie-style club car for dining.
• The Caledonian Sleeper service is operated by Serco on behalf of Transport Scotland.

About Tomatin Distillery 

• The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
•  Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 www.facebook.com/CuBocan Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
• More information on the products here http://www.tomatin.com/home-1
• Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
• The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
• Tomatin Distillery also produces Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
• The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
• The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

AMERICA’S OLDEST REGISTERED DISTILLERY TURNS 150 IN 2016

Jack Daniel’s celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. – Jack Daniel’s has announced plans to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg and around the world in 2016. Through events, special promotions and new products, Jack Daniel’s will share the authentic stories of America’s oldest registered distillery with friends of Jack, both old and new.

In 1866, Jasper “Jack” Daniel had the foresight to place his distillery at a source of limestone water flowing from a cave spring in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Jack Daniel’s has been at the forefront of whiskey-making ever since. Today, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is a true global icon found in more than 165 countries around the world and is revered for its individual character and authenticity.

“In a world where change is a constant, it is an incredible achievement to be making whiskey in the same way, in the same place, after 150 years,” said Mark McCallum, President of Jack Daniel’s. “I believe the endurance and success of Jack Daniel’s is the result of our ability to continue to operate according to Mr. Jack’s lifelong motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’ During this milestone anniversary, we will celebrate our history, traditions and values by continuing to tell the unique and powerful stories that make Jack Daniel’s the unique and very special global brand that it is today. We are looking forward to delighting our brand fans all over the world in some very special ways to celebrate this milestone for Jack Daniel’s.”

Jack Daniel’s 150^th yearlong celebration includes:

• Commemorative 150^th Anniversary Bottles
• Global Barrel Scavenger Hunt
• Global Master Distiller for a Day Contest
• Renovations and New Facilities at the Jack Daniel Distillery
• Celebration Event in Lynchburg in October
• Closing Bell Ringing and Anniversary Reception at the New York Stock Exchange

In the 150 years of the Jack Daniel Distillery, the distilling process has largely remained unchanged. From meticulously crafting each barrel to mellowing each drop of whiskey through 10 feet of charcoal, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is made with the same process pioneered and perfected by Mr. Jack himself. Today, the quiet town of Lynchburg still produces every single drop of the world’s Jack Daniel’s, proof that mastering a craft with a focus on quality can propel a brand beyond borders and across cultures.

For updates and more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com/.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. © 2016 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

14 Million Barrels and Counting: Jim Beam Makes History with Milestone Fill

Clermont, Kentucky – May 2, 2016 – Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, made history today with the filling of its 14 millionth barrel of bourbon since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. The milestone barrel — a bourbon industry first — was personally filled and sealed by seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe and Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin at the company’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky.

“History is what you make it,” said Noe. “And, here at Jim Beam, we’re proud to make it one barrel at a time. This milestone is cause for celebration both for our employees and bourbon fans around the globe. Fourteen million is a big number, and it says a lot about the success of our whiskey and the growing passion for bourbon around the world.”

The historic milestone, achieved just two years after the filling of Jim Beam’s 13 millionth barrel, serves as a testament to the continued global bourbon boom.

“Kentucky bourbon has become not only an American icon, but an international symbol of our proud heritage and craftsmanship,” said Governor Bevin. “I’m pleased to toast Jim Beam’s impressive milestone, rich history and spirited future.”

The 14 millionth barrel will join the nearly two million barrels of bourbon currently aging in Jim Beam’s rackhouses across the Commonwealth.  It will be stored inside the distillery’s historic rackhouse D, a nine-story warehouse re-built by Jim Beam after Prohibition on the Clermont distillery grounds. The rackhouse is open to visitors as part of the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse tour.

According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, bourbon is now a $3 billion state industry, providing more than 15,000 jobs and generating more than $166 million in tax revenues annually. Over the past five years, the bourbon industry has grown 35 percent.

As the producer of more than half the world’s bourbon, Jim Beam has played a leading role in this growth. At one time known for primarily one brand, the iconic Jim Beam portfolio now offers a wide range of award-winning expressions including Jim Beam Black®, Jim Beam® Apple, Jim Beam® Single Barrel, Jim Beam® Devil’s Cut®, Jim Beam® Honey, Jim Beam® Maple, Red Stag by Jim Beam®, Jim Beam® Bonded, Jim Beam® Rye and Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece.

“When Jacob Beam, Jim Beam’s great, great grandfather, filled his first barrel of bourbon in 1795, he had no real idea of what he was starting,” said Noe, who has been on hand for the previous six “million barrel” milestones, starting at the filling of the 8 millionth barrel in 1998. “All he wanted to do was make the best bourbon possible. The growth of this company reflects that dedication. For more than 220 years, we’ve made every barrel count.”

Beam has continued to expand its operations in Kentucky, fueled by a commitment to innovate and meet surging global consumer demand. Over the next five years, Beam Suntory plans to invest more than $1 billion to make bourbon in the Commonwealth.

For more information on Jim Beam®, please visit www.jimbeam.com, www.facebook.com/jimbeamus, or @jimbeamofficial.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

May Long Weekend Offers Whisky Festival Experience

Whisky lovers don’t have to wait until January to experience their next whisky festival. During the May long weekend the Highland Games Whisky School offers a whisky festival experience in an outdoor setting. Eight classes will be held May 21, 22 and 23. Participants may take classes focused on a specific distillery, sample a range of malts or experience whisky and food pairings. Held in Topaz Park, Whisky School tuition includes entrance to the Highland Games.

Whisky school classes this year focus on single malt whiskies from Scotland and the United States. Tastings are presented by whisky ambassadors who share distillery anecdotes and insider information while exploring each whisky’s distinctive characteristics.

Saturday May 21 classes begin at noon with a selection of Glenlivet malts. At 1:45 enjoy the malts of Glenfarclas with Gavin Cameron and at 3:30 explore the world of Bourbon with Matt Jones.

Sunday May 22 explore the malts of Aberlour at noon, a selection of vintage malts paired with chocolate at 1:45 and Legend of Bourbon, a look at the history and the modern interpretation of Bourbon at 3:30.

Monday May 23 at noon Bill Jones of Deerholme Farm joins Andrew Campbell Walls of Victoria Caledonian Distillery to present a whisky and local food pairing. At 2:45 experience the exclusive malts of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society paired with Xoxolat chocolate.

Advance registration is required for Whisky School classes. Cost for whisky school classes is $35 and includes a day pass to the Highland Games. Cost for the whisky and food pairing is $45. Whisky School students are also able to purchase an engraved Victoria Highland Games Glencairn whisky nosing glass for $15Proceeds of the Whisky School benefit the Victoria Highland Games Society.

More details on each class and registration forms are available at victoriahighlandgames.com/games/attractions/whisky-school

Bikers Roar into Speyside Distillery to choose Thunder in the Glens anniversary bottling

Motorbike enthusiasts were revved up for a special mission at Speyside Distillery – to choose the single malt whisky that will become the toast of Europe’s largest Harley Davidson rally.

The world-famous Thunder In The Glens event at Aviemore will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a limited edition bottling of single malt whisky of the same age from Speyside Distillery.

The boutique distillery is located in the heart of the Cairngorms – an area which has become the bikers’ spiritual home in August for the past two decades – and the bottling will bring together two iconic brands.

A group of Harley Davidson enthusiasts descended on the distillery during the week’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – another event which draws thousands of visitors to the area – to help select the whisky that will be bottled with a commemorative label for the anniversary.

The anniversary bottling builds on Speyside Distillery’s links with Thunder In The Glens as the distillery launched its rich ruby-black whisky Beinn Dubh, during last year’s event.

Rally organisers visited Speyside Distillery were involved in selecting the whisky, with guiding hand CEO John Harvey McDonough and managing director Patricia Dillon – and Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman, James Campbell.

John says, “When we heard that 2016 was an important year for Thunder of the Glens, we thought that a special bottling from Speyside Distillery, located in the heart of the Cairngorms, would be a really good way of marking the milestone year.

“As this is such an important event, we wanted to ensure that the anniversary bottling was a very special one. Our 20 year old whisky is extremely rare so is in very short supply, and anyone who gets a bottle will have a special piece of the distillery’s history.

“The rally has been a real success story, going from strength to strength, and it’s great to know that enthusiasts from all over the UK, and further afield, have such an affinity with the Cairngorms area that they keep coming back, and in greater numbers, every year.

“We’re pleased to be working with the organisers in this way and building on the connections we already have with Thunder In The Glens following the launch of Beinn Dubh at the rally last year.

“In much the same was that bikers make a pilgrimage to Thunder In The Glens, whisky lovers come from all over the world for The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. We were honoured to be able to select the cask during the Festival, bringing two iconic Scottish events together for the first time.”

Thunder in the Glens has become one of the major events in the UK for Harley Davidson enthusiasts, and it is now officially the largest Harley Davidson rally in the UK with an ever growing number of loyal fans. It takes place this year from August 26 to 29.

It has a great reputation amongst Harley fans and visitors who are rewarded with a fantastic programme of events, the thrill of riding through the scenic mountains and glens and experiencing world-famous Scottish hospitality.

This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, with 3,000 making the pilgrimage to the region and many more coming to see the spectacle.

Rally co-ordinator George McGuire was one of the bikers involved in selecting the cask. He feels the commemorative bottling from Speyside Distillery is an ideal way to celebrate the rally’s close affinity to the Cairngorms area.

“We are pleased to be working with Speyside Distillery to produce a single malt whisky especially for our anniversary year. This is a great way to mark 20 years of Thunder In the Glens and the links we have developed with the local area,” George explains.

“We’ve already had interest from people who have heard about our plans and they have requested two bottles – one to drink and the other to keep as a reminder of the 20th year of Thunder In The Glens.”

Speyside Distillery opened its doors to the public for the second year in a row during the festival, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside the picturesque distillery at exclusive behind the scenes tours and tastings.

Speyside Distillery, home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky, has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk/. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

Picture caption:

Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough (left) joins Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell (centre) in sampling the cask, while Thunder in the Glens rally co-ordinator George McGuire looks on.

BALLANTINE’S SCOTCH WHISKY & BOILER ROOM PRESENT STAY TRUE SOUTH AFRICA

The tenth instalment of the collaborative Stay True Journeys series touches down in Cape Town on 24 March featuring artists including Henrik Schwarz, Fred P, Move D, Jazzuelle & more

Ballantine’s, the world’s No.2 Scotch whisky, and Boiler Room announce that the next instalment in their global ‘Stay True Journeys’ series will touch down in Cape Town on 24 March,  exploring South Africa’s ever burgeoning position in the global house music scene.

The collaborative project travels to the world’s most vibrant music scenes to uncover and celebrate the ‘Stay True’ stories of the people, places and cultures that define them and drive them forwards, featuring live streamed unique shows and one-off documentary films.

ABOUT STAY TRUE SOUTH AFRICA

One year after the series travelled to Johannesburg, the collaborative project returns to South Africa, this time visiting Cape Town, to explore a fusion of local and global music scenes, connected through a deep love of everything house.

Stay True South Africa will showcase an all-star line-up of global DJs Henrik Schwarz, Move D and Fred P, alongside local legends Jazzuelle, DJ Fosta and Kid Fonque b2b Jullian Gomes, during the much-anticipated show on 24^th March to be held at a secret location. Money-can’t-buy tickets to the show will be available via Ballantine’s and Boiler Room channels, with the party being live-streamed between 8PM and 2AM at boilerroom.tv/staytrue/southafrica2.

Following Ballantine’s and Boiler Room’s co-produced documentary ‘Stay True South Africa: A Dancing Nation’ filmed during the 2015 Johannesburg stop over, the partnership, which has never re-visited a country over the series before, will release a second documentary with a spotlight on Cape Town’s local musical stories, people and cultures and will be available to watch on boilerroom.tv/staytrue/southafrica2 

ABOUT BOILER ROOM

From inauspicious beginnings as a lo-fi series of streamed DJ sets and live performances from a warehouse in Hackney, London, Boilerroom.tv has gone on to become one of the world’s most popular, authentic music platforms, remaining faithful to their founding principles and continuously showcasing artists from all over the world who do the same. 

Daryl Dixon, Brand Manager of Ballantine’s South Africa says, “I am very pleased that Boiler Room has decided to come back to South Africa for the second year running to showcase the next instalment of Stay True South Africa. There has been a rise in the global prominence of South African house music over the last few years and we are honoured to be able to share these stories with the world.”

Blaise Bellville, Boiler Room Founder & CEO says: “The first Stay True South Africa was one of Boiler Room’s stand out moments in 2015, so we we’re hugely excited to be returning with Ballantine’s to continue shining a spotlight on the incredible local house music scene – this time with the help of some huge international names in the form of Henrik Schwarz, Move D and Fred P.” 

Check out the previous journeys at http://boilerroom.tv/staytrue/ 

Notes

About Ballantine’s South Africa

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past ten years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

http://www.ballantines.com/

      @Ballantines

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Stay True Journeys

Having kicked off in 2014, the series of live broadcast events, in-depth documentary films and artist collaborations broadcast through Boilerroom.tv/StayTrue has taken global audiences deep inside local music scenes in Mexico, Chile, Poland, Germany, Ibiza, Spain, Brazil and Russia. Each scene is brought to life through curated line-ups that incorporate future local legends and some of the brightest in international talent – with the likes of Nina Kravis, Seth Troxler and Carl Craig having performed.  

https://boilerroom.tv/staytrue/ 

About Boiler Room  

From its inauspicious beginnings as a lo-fi series of streamed DJ sets and live performances from a warehouse in Hackney, London, Boilerroom.tv has gone on to become one of the world’s most popular, authentic music channels, with well over six million monthly viewers and a social community of over a million.

Its unique formula of intimate, invite-only events, featuring artists performing the music of their choice, via global live-stream.

https://boilerroom.tv/

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is looking for volunteers to take personality test and sample rare whiskies

How would you like to sample rare whiskies in the name of scientific research?

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is looking for 100 volunteers to take a written personality test and taste whisky samples at its Project Flavour Behaviour event at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C. on Saturday 21^st May 2016.

Project Flavour Behaviour is being carried out by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society this World Whisky Day (21^st May 2016), in partnership with Dr. Adam Moore from the University of Edinburgh’s Psychology Department.

The event is part of a series of secretive research experiments taking place around the world. These events will be taking place in cities worldwide, including Vancouver, London and Edinburgh.

Participants at the event, which is free, will take a written personality test and then taste several special samples of single malt whisky.

A previous knowledge of whisky is NOT required – an open mind and adventurous spirit is all you need.

The findings from the event will be analysed by Dr Moore and feed into the ongoing Flavour Behaviour experiment, which will be unveiled in more detail during 2016.

To sign up to be a volunteer taster, visit: http://www.smws.com/projectfb

Project Flavour Behaviour Free event – 3pm-5pm on 21^st May 2016 at Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009  

#projectFB

Twitter: @SMWSAmerica

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SMWSAmerica 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottles single cask single malt whisky – www.smws.com 

Media enquiries 

For more information, contact Society Brand Ambassador Phoebe Brookes at phoebe.brookes@smws.com

Buffalo Trace Distillery Racks up More Than 5,000

Experimental Whiskey Barrels in its Warehouses

Franklin Co, Frankfort, Ky. (April 20, 2016) – In the late 1800’s Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. was the first to incorporate the use of steam power and temperature controlled warehouses to age bourbon whiskey at the distillery known today as Buffalo Trace. Elmer T. Lee introduced the world to the first very Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984 and soon thereafter the folks at Buffalo Trace began more whiskey experiments using unique mash bills, types of wood, barrel toasts, and more. A newly hired Distillery Supervisor named Harlen Wheatley helped with some of the early experiments back in 1995, including bourbon not aged in traditional American White Oak, but French Oak. He never dreamed where this might lead.

Two decades later, Wheatley, now Master Distiller, stands at the helm of more than 5,000 experimental whiskey barrels aging at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the largest number of experimental barrels ever held in inventory at this National Historic Landmark Distillery.

Some early experiments focused on aging whiskey in used wine barrels, giving the bourbons chardonnay or zinfandel finishes.  It sounds ho-hum now, but in 2007 when these were released, they were considering cutting edge.

Through the years, the experiments evolved in complexity. There have been experiments using non-traditional grains, (rice and oats), various fill proofs, barrels made from woods around the world, and even from forests in the United States not considered traditional barrel producing states. In some of the experiments Buffalo Trace’s own warehouses were the control factors, playing with barrels put up on the same day on different floors and left alone for years, to see how they might taste different. Or how a concrete floor warehouse and a wooden floor warehouse affect the taste of a barrel of bourbon, which one is better? All of these questions were asked and answered over the last 20 years, and Buffalo Trace sits on a wealth of information which it in turn uses to perfect the taste of its longstanding brands like its flagship Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Stagg, Weller Bourbons and more. Not to mention new bourbons, like E.H. Taylor Cured Oak and the Single Oak Project, always on the quest to discover the perfect bourbon.

“Today, our experiments are more focused within the confines of bourbon whiskey,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “We have hundreds of potential future experiments on our list and discuss regularly with the experimental team to prioritize the most interesting ideas and the experiments that deliver the most useful information.”

But not all experiments are successes. An early “failed” experiment was with aging bourbon in small barrels, of 5, 10 and 15 gallon barrels vs. the standard 55 gallon. Despite the six years of aging, the bourbon never reached its full potential, and in 2012 the experiment was deemed a failure but bottled up for future research by the distillery team.

There have been other failed experiments along the way, bourbon made with barley, bourbon aged in barrels made with sour wood, and the most recent failure, a 26 year old bourbon barrel that was just past its prime. All of these are bottled up and stored in the archives.

“It’s important to learn from your mistakes too,” noted Wheatley. “We learn as much from our failures as our successes, sometimes even more so from the failures, so that’s why we want to keep a record of them so we have them for future research.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery will continue to release its experiments a few times a year, with the next experiment coming out this spring, more details will be provided soon. For a full list of experiments released to date, check out http://www.greatbourbon.com/great-bourbons

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

FAMILY FIRM RAISES £11K IN CROWDFUNDING BID FOR NEW STUDIO

A firm which makes unique gifts for whisky lovers has raised more than £11,000 for a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio in a Crowdfunding appeal.

Stirling-based Angels’ Share Glass launched the appeal in a bid to increase production and keep alive a traditional skill.

They had hoped to raise an ambitious £25,000 for the new studio and reached £11,360 (approximately 45%) of that total following a two-month campaign.

The remainder of the funds will now be secured via grants and investment loans and the studio, which will allow space to train new apprentice glassmakers, should be up and running towards the end of this year.

Karen Somerville, Managing Director of the award-winning firm, said she and her father, co-founder Tom Young, had been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who contributed to the campaign.

She said: “It was the first time we’ve tried a Crowdfunding campaign and we really had no idea what to expect.

“It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time but it was amazing when contributions began to come in from friends, family, business colleagues and people we’ve never met.

“There were a whole range of contributions and people were just phenomenal in the way they supported us.

“We’re now looking forward to moving on and getting the rest of the funding organised and then we can achieve our dream of creating a new studio.

“It’s wonderful to know this long-awaited goal is now within our reach and we want to sincerely thank everyone who has helped us.”

Contributions to the appeal came in from all over the world including Qatar, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Chile, Germany and the United States.

The individual amounts donated ranged from £5 to £1,000 and some backers opted for the various perks available in return for funding.

These included having their names engraved on a glass plaque in the new studio, a whisky tasting evening and a day spent glass-blowing with the firm’s world-renowned Master Glassmaker Tom Young.

Angels’ Share Glass is run by Karen and Tom who has been making glass by hand using traditional methods for nearly 60 years.

He currently works out of a home workshop where he trains an apprentice but that unit is now too small to keep up with rising demand for the firm’s products.

The new studio and equipment, which will be housed at the firm’s headquarters in Bridge of Allan near Stirling, will mean more space to increase production and train a new generation of glassmakers to continue the company’s legacy.

Tom says: “It means a lot to me to know that – thanks to the amazing support from our local community and people much further afield – we can now create a new studio and have more space to work in.

“For me it will be a great help in terms of passing my glassblowing skills onto a new generation of young glassmakers so that we can keep the tradition alive.”

More information on Angels’ Share Glass can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com 

chandelier featuring whisky-filled drops

Notes:

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at http://www.angelsshareglass.com/

The Perfect Blend: History, Whisky and Chocolate 

May is Whisky Month and to celebrate, The Real Mary King’s Close will be launching The Perfect Blend a brand new whisky tasting experience in partnership with Royal Mile Whiskies, multiple winner of Whisky Magazine’s Retailer of the Year award.

The Perfect Blend is a unique whisky tasting experience in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Combining Scotland’s most iconic exports, history and whisky, this tour will take guests back in time as they uncover Edinburgh’s incredible hidden history whilst getting to grips with the national drink.

Guests will enjoy five drams of whisky: a grain, a blend, a malt, a sherry cask matured and a peaty whisky. Each one has been specially selected to highlight the diverse nature of Scottish whisky. The tour, as well as taking guests on a journey through history, will provide an insight into the varieties of whisky available in Scotland; why they are different and how the flavours have been shaped by the methods involved in their production. As guests savour a peaty dram, they may find themselves transported to the west coast of Scotland or they may find themselves doing the work of a noser as they try to work out the different components of a blend.

Each nip of whisky will be accompanied by a sample of award winning organic craft chocolate from local suppliers, Chocolate Tree. Guests will be able to taste how this combination of flavours works together to enhance the subtle nuances of each specially selected whisky. From Madagascan Sambirano 72% dark chocolate to sea salt and caramel, each craft chocolate has been chosen to bring out the individuality of the whiskies. As the chocolate and the whisky combine, guests will be able to experience the flavours transform on their palate.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to work with local businesses to create a truly unique and Scottish event for Whisky Month.” Comments General Manager Craig Miller “It will be a chance for those who have visited the attraction before to come back and experience the Close in a different way and it will also be a great event for those visiting the capital to tick off some of the must-do experiences when in Scotland: taste whisky and discover fascinating history.”

The Perfect Blend will run throughout the month of May and tickets are now on sale. Advance booking is recommended and tickets can be purchased online at www.realmarykingsclose.com/, by phone on 0131 225 0672 or in person at The Real Mary King’s Close.

The Real Mary King’s Close is operated by Continuum Attractions. Continuum Attractions offers a host of cultural visitor attraction experiences across the UK, from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to the story of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story. 

NOTES:

Ticket Price: £35

Time: 21:30 (1 hour and 30 mins)

Dates: 1^st, 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 29^th May 2016

Whiskies are subject to change and images show an example selection

Over 18s only (ID may be required) 

The Real Mary King’s Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, lies one of Edinburgh’s deepest secrets – The Real Mary King’s Close. This warren of hidden ‘closes’ or narrow streets where real people lived, worked and died, lay forgotten and covered by the City Chambers on the Royal Mile for centuries, until in 2003 it opened as a fascinating new visitor attraction for Edinburgh.

Operated by Continuum Attractions, this VisitScotland five-star attraction allows visitors to step back in time and be guided through these famous underground closes to witness some of the most dramatic episodes from Edinburgh’s incredible past.

Further details: www.realmarykingsclose.com/.

Chocolate Tree

Chocolate Tree is Edinburgh’s only bean to bar chocolate maker, working in small batches using superior natural ingredients, ethically sourced and organic. Chocolate Tree aims to deliver fine flavour chocolate whilst at the same time offering impoverished farmers better profits and preserving biodiversity.

A variety of Chocolate Tree bars are available in the shop at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Further details: www.choctree.co.uk/

Royal Mile Whiskies

Royal Mile Whiskies was established in 1991 and has steadily grown its range and reputation and is now known worldwide as being one of the world’s great specialist whisky merchants. Royal Mile Whiskies was set up as a specialist malt whisky retailer, based on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.

An independent, Scottish-owned shop located in Scotland, Royal Mile Whiskies specialises in single malt Scotch whisky, but also sells Irish whiskey, bourbon whiskey, grain whisky and blends. Royal Mile Whiskies won Whisky Magazine’s ‘Retailer of the Year’ award in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2015.

Further details: www.royalmilewhiskies.com/

For more information on Continuum Attractions, please visit www.continuumattractions.com/

Continuum Attractions owns, operates and manages cultural attractions across the UK:

• Continuum Heritage Attractions

• The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
• The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
• Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford
• York’s Chocolate Story, York

• Continuum Icon Attractions

• Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
• Emmerdale The Tour, Leeds